Shrill's Lolly Adefope Has Some Advice for the Plus-Size Fashion Industry

On Hulu's Shrill, a six-episode dramedy series about a plus-size woman endeavoring to "change her life but not her body," SNL's Aidy Bryant plays the lead, Annie; and British comedian Lolly Adefope plays her bestie, the profoundly hip and lovably honest Fran. "The most dangerous thing a woman can possess is self-worth. Liking her own body, trusting her own instincts, valuing her own time," The New York Times wrote of the show, which dropped March 15 to collectively rave reviews. "Sometimes this leads to advertisers having no idea how to corner us. If we don’t hate ourselves, how will we know what to buy? … Sometimes, though, self-worth sets us free. 'Shrill' is a show where that happens, and it’s lovely." It's so lovely, in fact, that Hulu just announced it'll be renewing the show for season two in 2020.

A significant part of all this loveliness comes courtesy of Adefope, whose quiet confidence, witty banter with Bryant, and eye-catching wardrobe of vibrant jumpsuits and bomber jackets make Fran one of the most feel-good characters on the show. Fran already possesses much of the swag and self-love that Annie is working toward, and as we learned in a recent interview, so does Adefope.

We got the chance to chat with the stylish star about her favorite costumes on Shrill, her holy-grail clothing items, and the advice she'd most like to bestow on the plus-size fashion industry. Keep scrolling to read our conversation with Lolly Adefope (and to shop some of her best-kept style secrets).

Congrats on Shrill being picked up for a second season! There has been such a positive response to the show. What do you love about being a part of this project and working with Aidy Bryant?

Aidy is an angel and so every moment spent working with her is a dream. It’s very special to be part of a show that is doing something different to most other shows, and that is inspiring, funny, and cool in equal measure.

Everyone is talking about the amazing fashion on the show. Do you have a favorite look of Fran's?

My favorite is probably the red jumpsuit that I wear in episode one. I loved it so much that I bought it! Wildfang does extremely good jumpsuits.

Aidy Bryant and Catherine Cohen. I want to borrow all their clothes and never give them back. :)

How has your personal style changed over the past 10 years?

I don't think it's changed that much. I still get excited by the same clothes I did when I first started going to vintage shops. But I think as I get older, I realize how much nicer it is to have 10 great outfits rather than 1000 tops and dresses that are all in a pile I cry in every time I get ready to go out.

If you could give your 18-year-old self one piece of style advice, what would it be?

Don't cut all those cool vintage tops into crop tops with very blunt scissors (although, no regrets!).

If you could give one piece of advice to the plus-size fashion industry, what would it be? What about to women shopping for plus-size fashion?

It would probably be that I am all for accentuating curves and being proud of your body but that it would be cool to see some more tailored/androgynous styles that aren't totally figure-hugging (sorry to sound 80 years old!).

To women shopping for plus-size fashion, don't give up hope. There are more and more cool plus-size brands popping up!

If you could design your own fashion line, what would you call it? What would the aesthetic be like?

I feel like Lolly is quite a good name for a clothing line? If that hasn't already been done, I'm taking it. The main focus would be pink, orange, black, and green clothes, and nothing that is in any way uncomfortable because life is too short!